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Road test of Suzuki1000 V-STROM 2015 Back to basics?

On-Off Road
1000 V-STROM 2015 test drive

Field test Our tester's opinion on the 1000 V-STROM from 2015

1000 V-STROM 2015 test drive

surprisingly, it only takes a minute for Thomas to explain the various driving aids on board the V-Strom.
Two levels of traction control, it couldn't be simpler.
a welcome change from this year's "big trail" tests.
The race for power, astronomical prices and a profusion of electronics has been on for some time now.
So, will "simplicity" detract from the riding pleasure of this new Suzuki?

v-Strom 1000, back to basics? By Oli le Belge

when I programmed this test into my schedule and reviewed the photos of the bike, I leapt back in time to find myself 25 years behind the wheel of a DR 800 Big taking my driving test!

so many memories, a monstrous 50 hp single, a "different" look and, above all, the legendary piston stroke.
Well, okay, but why tell you about the DR?
Quite simply because the V-Strom is the descendant of the BIG, and even though it's equipped with a twin-cylinder, its look and duckbill are reminiscent of its illustrious elder.

let's take a look at it.

after straddling the bike and being astonished by the low seat height (865 mm) for a trail bike, I'm greeted by Suzuki's well-known speedometer unit, which is fitted to a number of models.
It contains all the necessary information.
I realize that the gear indicator has become standard equipment over the seasons!

off we go.

the 1037 cc twin-cylinder (the reworked block from the SV) starts up and graces me with a rather pleasant melody.
it doesn't clatter like a Katoche, but the sound is livelier than a GS (old generation) or a Super T.

i set off for a short warm-up ride. The weather is radiant and I'm immediately enjoying riding this bike.
However, after a year full of testing extraordinary motorcycles, I was afraid this 1000 would be bland.
Nothing of the sort; I just cruise along, never exceeding the first third of the rev counter.
The mill allows you to ride energetically without ever pulling in.

the power of just over 100 hp is there just in case, but my mood of the day is to stroll.
But what if, after all, you could also enjoy a comfortable ride?
The V-Strom is perfect for this.
The high position allows you to relax your legs, your chest is well protected and the clutch and gearbox are extremely smooth.

the economical alternative?

i think Suzuki developed this V-Strom for emerging markets.
Equipped with simplified electronics, the bike will be reliable and easy to maintain.
Does this mean it has to be less sexy?
The answer is no!
I spent a lot of time behind the wheel of the DL, and rediscovered a simple way of riding a motorcycle.

for 12,499 euros, the investment pays for itself in no time.

See you soon,

Oli the Belgian

Image credits: Suzuki
Video credits: Olivier Quinten

Essentials

The safety of your rider and the performance of your motorcycle are paramount. At our partner 'Revzilla', you'll find everything you need, from equipment to spare parts, to maintain your machine to perfection.

Key facts Suzuki 1000 V-STROM (2015) : What you need to know before you buy

Model sold in 2014 2015 2016

Replace 1000 V-STROM 2014

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1000 V-STROM 2014

Performance

Prices

Basic version
flag FranceFrance
12,499€

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 23 reviews

French Peter Model 2015
Hello, I have just bought second hand the V Strom 1000 of 2015 with 34000 Kilometers only for a bike that has 10 YEARS! & I am very happy with this bike very versatile the only regret it lacks a regulator for long distances otherwise the top! good road to all. Rating : 4/5
I have the 2016 model with the adventure pack, which is a real pleasure. Rating : 4/5
French Pat12 Model 2014
What happiness this Vstrom 1000 / 2014 I ride only in duo and really a crazy machine!!! torque, recovery and it does not let itself impressed by any bike!!!! Can't wait for the
1000 XT !!
Rating : 5/5
French jcd
bonjour je vois sur le bon coin un modele de 2014 avec 50000 km n'est pas trop avec un tel kilométrage ! réparation, pane, coût merci de ton retour , jean claude dupontjclaude1@gmail.com Rating : 4/5
French pierrot Model 2016
i've had a lot of bikes old and new the 2016 vstrom 1000 is a super bike one of the best for me road and city combined very maneuverable and comfortable great product Rating : 5/5
AT contre Vstrom
French Orange Model 2016
Out of curiosity, have a look at the AT reviews. One owner out of 2 has problems
I'm not sorry I kept my 1000 Vstrom, no problems in 2 1/2 years and 28,000 kms, but I'm going to wait for the XT version of the 1000 to come out. I think it looks nice in black.
Rating : 5/5
Super moto
French novecenti Model 2015
I bought a Vstrom 1000 in 2014 after many competitive test rides. I was seduced by this homogeneous, easy bike, with good suspension and excellent brakes, gears that shift well and a perfect position. I fitted it with a Scorpion carbon pot and a Givi airflow bubble, plus Shad luggage, handguards and heated grips. It's a much more fun bike than a GS, much more agile than a Versys. It lets you ride all kinds of roads in total relaxation, while having fun. Enormous torque from early on, which is great fun without the need to reach stratospheric speeds. And you can go (too) fast if you want to. Rating : 5/5
French Mann Model 2015
I've got the 2015 model with adventure pack, I'm 1m91 tall and I've tried the GS 1200, the 1200 explorer and the versis kawa, I found the Vstrom easier to handle and more playful, with much less vibration than the BMW (it vibrates a lot) and a riding position that's strangely behind the BM,the engine is smoother than the Versis, which gives it a good jolt. Certainly the comfort of the Explorer is better, but you need good arms in attack mode, unlike the Vstrom, which rubs the footbraces without batting an eyelid. For a choice between comfort, handling and sportiness, for me it's the Vstrom... Rating : 4/5
1000 V-Strom - ou est la verité vraie ??
French phil03 Model 2015
4.8 l/100 is the 1st time I've read this ,,,, all the motorcycle press announces at least 6l,,,,,
228 kgs en ordre de marche ,,, tte la presse moto indique 228 a vide ????
100 hp ,,,, I read 145 hp ,,,, where is the real ????
Rating : 3/5
French Polmaclenon
I've got a 2014 model with 28,000 kms on it, and it's a joy to ride! I agree with everyone except Phil03, the only one who hasn't tried it, apparently
I'm thinking of replacing it next year for the new black 1000 XT,nicer with its spoked rims. Phil, go to Suz and try one out, and we'll talk later if you like!
FYI, it's 4.8l/100, 100hp and 228kg!
Rating : 5/5
a quoi elle sert ???
French philippe03 Model 2014
hello
what's the point of this bike??? it's a replica of the 650 with the only differences being front brake calipers and traction control (to pass on unusable excess power)...... a range of 120 kms inferior to the 650 ,,,and 15 kgs more,,,,,and 4500 euros more ,,,, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER TO ADD 100 cm3 and 15 horses to the 650 ,,,that would have been perfect.......MAISSSSSSSS voila ,,, the customers we don't care about ,,, must be able to say = me too I have a big cube ,,,,,SUZUKI ,must renew the staf,,,,,
Rating : 3/5
French Romain
Have you even tried it to say that? Have you compared it with the 650?
Personally, I've tried both models, as well as much more powerful trails (ktm 1290 and multistrada in particular). If you don't know how to exploit 100hp on a trail as well-balanced and cushioned as this one, you'd be better off sticking with the 650 and letting others enjoy its big sister. But please don't put others off with your peremptory judgments...
Rating : 5/5
French philippe03
hello

my judgements reflect the tests I read in various magazines ,,, and my remarks are coherent, I think, in view of the price difference between these 2 twin models, which differ only in bore x stroke ,,, calipers and anti-slip ,,,, = almost 5000 euros for these differences
my words in no way detract from the qualities of these 2 machines

and for info= I ride a triumph 955 sprint RS and a tiger 955
sincerely
Rating : 3/5
French Lezard21
The only drawback to the V Strom is its price - it's not expensive enough, and that's the only argument that could make people buy a GS for those who need a social marker. With a comfortable seat, the V Strom is the ideal bike for me. Rating : 5/5
Juste épatante
French Lahouz Model 2014
I tried out the new africa twin, first with DCT, then a second with a mech gearbox. Just after the latter, 15 minutes later to be precise, I tried the 1000 v-strom. The v-strom is just as nimble (4kg lighter), just as well-balanced, and better powered (full throttle at all revs, or AT= low under 5000... the usual ranges!!!).
The AT rides on its reputation and the current biker pseudi-doxa, it's very beautiful but almost soulless, whereas the suzuki has an ugly duckling beak, hasn't made any com\' to attract bobos and/or pseudo adventurers (90% of ATs will never leave the roads), but it gives 1000 times more sensations...
If you're looking for an economical, comfortable and powerful all-rounder, look no further. Go to the bon coin, and you'll find one for less than 9000e, including luggage! Forget about paying 14000e new for a DCT where your right foot touches the exhaust, where the bubble is ineffective and where you have to wait patiently for 5000 rpm to overtake a xantia....
Rating : 5/5
French Orange Model 2014
I have a 2014 Vstrom, which I bought just after trying it out, despite its average looks. But after adding a high bubble, hand guards, a center stand and a Leo Vince potty, I now find it much nicer. I did Corsica this summer, and it was a blast. Big torque, big brakes, decent comfort and great noise with the LV potty, it's the best bike I've ever owned. Rating : 5/5
French Gilles Model 2016
I own a 2015 v Strom 1000, the only thing I have to complain about is the high standard seat, I'm 1.73 m tall and to be comfortable I had to replace it with a low one. Suzuki should offer a choice of two seats when you buy it.

Rating : 4/5
French Missak Model 2015
A motorcycle without the useless addition of a price-gouging electronic armada that really adds little. The engine is torquey, smooth and powerful. The chassis is irreproachable in terms of stability and liveliness. The brakes are very safe and of good quality. The suspension does the job well, with no need for gimmicks. Why spend money? Rating : 5/5
I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a beauty! that duck's beak is ugly!

But I tried it on and it's really great!
Rating : 4/5
French GHOST RIDER Model 2015
For me, one of the best motorcycles I've ever owned and disconcertingly easy to ride, bought with the winter edition pack a beauty :) Rating : 5/5
French WILDSTAR Model 2015
for the gear indication, you should know that the 1968 T 20 already had it, Suzuki was the first to fit it and the T 20 also had 6 gears....
Rating : 5/5
hello
i've been riding my v strom 1000 since february 2014, and it's already 9650 km, so happy ....
Rating : 5/5
French dédédudoubs Model 2014
12,000km on this bike is the best I've ever had. Some people think that these bikes are just for the open road, but you have to try them out on the mountain passes. I swear, you can't get overtaken, even on a tandem. Rating : 5/5
French gillou Model 2014
but why this ugly duck beak?? for the aero...it's certainly a nice machine to drive but personally I don't like the aesthetics at all Rating : 2/5
French gabiano
bonjour, je suis un peu d\'accord avec le bec de canard pas super mais la moto en jette en vrai elle roule magnifiquement bien elle a de l\'allonge, moteur un petit manque de puissance un 125ch aurait été très classe, un très bon comportement sur terrain, la bm oui mais le moteur est très bien coupleux poussif mais le prix c\'est n\'importe'quoi et le poids par rapport à la suz mais c\'est vrai que quant elle roule c\'est très plaisant. voilà un peu mes impressions à bientôt Rating : 4/5
du bon en vu
French Moto Model 2014
following my visit to the show, I think the suz is ready to reconcile people like me who are disgusted with the super-electronics on our motorcycles, and while I come from bm (a fine piece of crap), I'm looking closely at this bike, which should be very robust without too much electronics, which are generating more and more expensive breakdowns
i like it, a good compromise between technology and mechanics, a bit like in the good old days, a no-fuss bike. Too bad for the cardan shaft or a belt, it would be top-notch,
let's wait for the arrival of the TDM to see, and then .... I'll make my decision. bon route a tous!!!
Rating : 3/5
Horrible !!!
French Chingachgook Model 2014
You can look at it from any angle. There's nothing beautiful about it. It's a pity because, owning a TDM 900, the engine looks pretty good to me. Rating : 1/5
French vara
As for the price, I find the basic version a bit expensive, especially as it costs 11900e in Germany.
I'm also waiting for a new Yam or Honda trail bike, 220kg max, 2 or 3 cylinders, 800cm3 max, to compare.
I'd still like to try out the suz, which looks to have a torquey engine just the way we like it!
Rating : 3/5
French ChauveMustGoOne Model 2014
A very pretty bike. However, an estimated price of 14,000 euros? That's setting the bar a little high. No cardan shaft transmission, and we're approaching the first price of the Teutone, which, despite its questionable aesthetics, holds its own against the other big trails in the segment, with exceptional roadholding. After that, you'd have to try it out to get an idea. Perhaps in the end... Rating : 3/5
French Obcure Model 2014
I'd say they're missing a motor shoe for protection and hand guards. These are 2 accessories I find "mandatory" for a Trail. Rating : 3/5
French ChauveMustGoOne
I agree with you about the engine cowling for aesthetic reasons. Now, let's face it, these bikes are big travelers/roaders who don't have to worry too much about splashing. Handguards should be fitted as standard on such a machine. But don't worry, everything's provided for... but as an option :( (see photos) Rating : 3/5
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Motorcycle specifications
Suzuki 1000 V-STROM 2015
The road to the horizon
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